How To Do A Home Breast Exam

Today we are continuing with our mission to spread the word for breast cancer awareness for the month of October. We want to remind all women how important it is to do a self breast exam.

All women age 20+ should be doing regular monthly self-breast exams, along with regular doctor visits. Here’s how to do a proper self-breast exam:

Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here's what you should look for. If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

Breasts that are an usual size, shape, or color

Visible distortion or swelling

Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin

A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)

Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Now look with your arms raised above your head.

Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

If you feel an abnormal lumps or bumps, bring it to your doctors attention right away.